"Silly Lilies"

 "My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies." (S.O.S. 6:2)

  In case you might be wondering, it is answered prayer: I asked God to show me a title, and this is what He gave me! Go figure. It would appear as though we have something in common, as we must get to the point where life is so complicated and out of order, your best response is to laugh and chalk it up to the fact that everyone is out of control. It's almost like that last verse in Judges: "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." 

  Yes, but this is about something a little more real and close to home: this is about what it takes to be able to overcome in light of affliction, suffering, discouragement, and even pain. If you allow me, lilies are more than just a flower, as flowers might be; they are special in their shape, almost as if they are, if they could, able to sing out with praise. Jesus used lilies as an example to how much God takes care of His children, much more than the birds and the grass of the field, yet: "Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." (Luke 12:27) 

  Paul used this illustration, as he shows the foolishness of the believer, as they look to the world, saying: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18) Besides that: Who is able to rejoice in persecution? Who can make light of death? Who is able to not worry about tomorrow? These are just a few of the questions that can be associated with those that are saved, who no longer are deeply connected to this life, a life that is here today and gone tomorrow. 

  People work all of their lives to save and build up, only to leave it all behind for others to squander! That is actually Biblical, as many times over, Jesus made this kind of presentation about living for today, not for tomorrow. And yet, the opposite of this is what the world teaches; so, in doing so, we are portrayed as fools in the eyes of the world. Jesus said, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36) 

  No, this is more about what He does, in that He takes care of His children, no matter what! If you look like you are destitute, you are never poor; if you look as though you are tortured, you are never crushed; if you are thrown into prison, you are never locked down: You are free and alive in Christ, despite what the world might do, and surely, despite what might be perceived by the world. Keep your eyes on Jesus! See the mocking He endured, as they said of Him, "He saved others; himself he cannot save." Little did they know! 

  In the bigger picture, the spices that are portrayed in this, are those that have been crushed; these gardens are the church, they represent those that gather together and sing praises, that share His word, that speak to one another of the things that matter most; these are also that which is currently under attack. Be strong, be bold, be bright, and be silly! Heck, we don't even know sometimes what to pray for: How is it that we think we know what we are doing, where we are being taken; or for what reason God is doing and allowing things to be done. Laugh a little more, because He is still in control...

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:26-28)